Lithium batteries.

[Foldbak]

Ok I just pulled the trigger on batteries. Used my air miles and cost me nothing but grief from DW. I ordered these. Thoughts?

[RKassl]

What I would wonder about is it designed for deep cycling in an RV?

[Foldbak]

It says for use in RV's and boats...

[rames14]

It looks like they have good reviews. Two items, I may have missed it but you can buy heaters if they aren’t built in. Also, even though it has built in Bluetooth, I would still use a Victron Smartshunt. It has much more expandability if you decide to grow your system. Ruuvi smart tags, Mopeka propane sensors and SeeLevel gages all work with the Victron Cerbo GX (along with the smart shunt) for remote monitoring.

[mlh]

Ok I have a question. With some other batteries costing twice as much is there any difference except they cost twice as much?
Lynwood

[Jay Merritt]

Does your rig have a charger that has a setting for Lithium? The charge requirements are different from lead acid

[artfuldodger]

I bought Amperetime batts a year ago in the same price range, have a 4 door residential fridge, watch TV 2 or 3 hrs a day, use the toaster every day, use a Kierig coffee maker 6 times a day, and so on. We boondock most of the time, and my batts couldn't,t have performed better. The only thing I wish they could do is heat themselves. My solar controller will sense the temperature and shut down at close to freezing so in that way the batts are protected and I can always buy heating pads for them. I am very happy with my 3 batts and saved a lot of money. Go with what you bought and enjoy!

[wed]

It’s always best to use deep cycling batteries

[seasure1]

Tony,
Congrats on your purchase. My 2023 came with lithium batteries and have performed perfectly. If I can help in any way let me know

Mike

[Sr. Oso]

Mike,
What brand batteries came with your 2023? I took our 2022 MHC 295 RL on our first trip and the “new” batteries didn’t make it through the first leg of our trip from NH to Four Seasons Campground in South NJ. I’ve spoken to Dragonfly Energy/Battleborn as they are having a spring sale. I didn’t even try running the GE fridge for the ride to Cape Charles, VA.

[rames14]

The 2023 Montana’s all come with Battleborn batteries starting with the 2023 model year.

[AnArky]

Originally Posted by Sr. Oso

Mike,
What brand batteries came with your 2023? I took our 2022 MHC 295 RL on our first trip and the “new” batteries didn’t make it through the first leg of our trip from NH to Four Seasons Campground in South NJ. I’ve spoken to Dragonfly Energy/Battleborn as they are having a spring sale. I didn’t even try running the GE fridge for the ride to Cape Charles, VA.

While towing, our 2016 Montana is getting 12VDC power from the truck or tow vehicle. There's no worry about running out of battery power. I believe it even recharges some.

Thought most were that way?

[rames14]

AnArky, most trucks only charge about 4-5 amps/hour. The residential fridges can use 5-8 amps per hour, plus the other loads (inverter, parasitic loads, anything on 120v). Our rig uses 10 amps/hr just sitting there (satellite, satellite receiver, inverter, etc). The newer rigs with inverters and residential fridges take much more power than the truck will normally provide. Many (us included) have added DC-DC charging. With 2/0 wire and a smart BIM I can get around 40 amps per hour driving. Especially with lithium batteries, they will take up to 100 amps per hr of charge, so if your truck was wired to give all it needed to the batteries it would be a race between burning up your alternator or the wires.

[AnArky]

Thanks for the explanation.

[rames14]

AnArky, when we got our first Montana in 2004, they didn’t even include an outlet in the basement. Our 2010 and 2015 Montana’s got progressively more “complex”. Our 2021 made us solar Guinea pigs, since Super Solar (now the 1200i) was new and provided a completely inverted coach. It has been a steep but educational learning curve. We are fortunate to live where there is a lot of public land where we can boondock. So, it helps reduce camping costs in exchange for a higher up front cost.

[Foldbak]

I have a 2022 so the converter should be lithium ready. I just have to change the Victron solar controller and converter to lithium. Need to know where the converter switch is and how to access it. As far as heaters we don't camp in freezing weather. If that changes we'll add heaters.



Can someone please tell how to switch the converter to lithium?

[Jay Merritt]

Open the door to your fuse/breaker box. The model number of the converter should be inside. Google the number to get instructions (PDF Manual) on the lithium switch

[Foldbak]

I found the switch. My understanding is that I shouldn't charge below 32 degrees. Where I live doesn't get below freezing more then 10 days a year. Can someone recommend a heating pad for the batteries?

Also what about over 114 degree days? We get over 100 degrees 20 days a year.

Thanks for your assistance.

[Jay Merritt]

In the breaker box, find the breaker that shuts off the charger/converter. Hit that switch when the temps get below 32°. The rig will run, but it won't charge until you turn the breaker back on

[Foldbak]

That's an option!

From what I've read 130 degrees is the max. I have to assume that on a 110 degree day that the battery compartment could exceed that. The BMS will shut down the battery at that point but if I'm dry camping and I open the battery compartment the temperature should equalize? I might be over thinking this...